Figuring out how to maximize the backcourt of lottery picks Killian Hayes and Cade Cunningham may be most important element of Cunningham’s integration into the league, Keith Langlois of Pistons.com writes. That process will start in training camp and Pistons head coach Dwane Casey is known for preferring multiple ballhandlers on the court. Cunningham’s versatility makes it both easier and more challenging to find the right balance between the two young backcourt partners, Langlois adds.
We have more on the Pistons:
- The team has officially named Rex Kalamian, Jerome Allen, Jim Moran and Bill Bayno as assistant coaches, and Andrew Jones as a player development coach in a press release. The news that the club was hiring Kalamian, Allen and Bayno was reported in June. Allen was on Brad Stevens’ Celtics staff, while Bayno had been on Indiana’s staff. Kalamian worked the Kings last season. A report surfaced in July that Moran, a former Portland assistant, would be joining Casey’s staff. Jordan Brink and Austin Dufault have been promoted to player development coaches, the release adds.
- Hayes may not be a legitimate building block, Sam Vecenie of The Athletic opines in a Q&A session with colleague James Edwards III. His struggles to gain separation make it very difficult for him to create anything as a lead guard and he’s always been turnover-prone, according to Vecenie, though it would unfair to give up on him too quickly. Vecenie does believe the club is being built the right way, though it needs a couple more elite players to be a true contender.
- In case you missed it, there’s been speculation that second-round rookie Luka Garza, who has signed a two-way deal, could be promoted to a standard contract. Get the details here.
Always thought the Hayes pick was a mistake; I didn’t even have him in my Big Board top-15. Of course it’s early and he’s had to deal with injuries so the jury is still out on him. But it’s funny when folks just assume high draft picks who have shown nothing in the NBA must be building blocks for the future.
Cade and Hayes. Cade and Hayes. No, it’s really just Cade right now
As of now Cade has shown way less at the NBA level than Hayes, right?
So right now is no one & no one!
Cade dominated his previous two leagues in high school and college in stats and winning record. Killian “led” a French team to 11-23 and a 5-5 record in the second division of Euroleague basketball. He didn’t standout in either except a few good games in the DII league.
And before you say, well it’s a harder league in Europe than college basketball, well yeah…if you play against top competition. College athletes in the Big 12 are very talented, and usually feed European teams with players once they graduate (and other NBA players for that matter).
Killian shouldn’t be considered a bust yet…but he is headed down that path. Cade shouldn’t be considered a star yet…but he has shown that his floor already is high than Killian’s current level. With “Cade vs. Killian”, Cade is already on top.
You’re absolutely right, but as far as draft picks go he’s about as safe as they can get. Maybe he won’t end up a star in the end, perhaps maxing out as a solid starter, but I feel comfortable enough to say he’s likely not going to bust.
Again, you’re right though. I can’t argue with no one and no one haha.
But wait… Killian played against grown men after HS
Sorry if I confused: sarcasm alert
Sexland, I can’t figure Cholet’s league, but they are a respectable team in the top French league. They are not currently in the Euroleague, which is kind of a superleague. Was he on an academy team?— IDK. Either way— Cade has done much more so far.
I am honestly not sure, I just quickly looked up his international stats and it showed some game logs of the last two teams he was on. But my point was exactly as you said, cade has done much more to prove his value
Trade Grant to >>>> Knicks. Continue the rebuild with youth around 19 yr old Cade.
Toppin, Quickley, #1 pick, plus we give back Det 2nd rd pick in 2023.
Toppin can start at the 4 for them. Quickley can backup Hayes. And they get two nice picks.
What for?knicks already have good starting 5.rj will play at 3.under thib system he can be a better player than lavine
Dude Grant is a player Thibs would love. He’s a young vet that plays both ways. He’s an all star. With Fournier a shooter as sixth man. We are much closer to contending. And Grant n Randle are the leaders at 26. Grant is a big SF who can lock down on D. Thibs will make another Butler out of him. That’s why. Love Toppin but this makes us serious, very serious and still young.
Wow I think Detroit will run with that offer.
A. that trade is nonsensical, no way Knicks do that
B. Pistons actually have a high powered roster, just missing the superstar value that cade could bring as early as year 1.
Not Hayes related but Knicks related.
I personally hate the Fournier deal, to much money, to long and when your able to would defiantly be aiming to get rid of that. Not th it’ll happen
But Fouriner and Knox for Wiggins.
GSW saves money, Fouriner helps replace the injured Thompson for now before becoming a bench scorer. Plus they take a flyer chance on Knox.
Knicks get Wiggins who has played under Thibs, he’s decent but not solid but with Randle, Kemba and RJ he would at best a 3/4th option, among the starters. RJ and Wiggins to Canadians possibly bring the best out of each other. Worse case situation, Wiggins walks in FA in a couple years and you have a bunch of money to try go after a star again.
The most important aspect of Cunningham’s integration into the league, will be if the Piston’s are able to locate and sign (provided that the Milwaukee Bucks don’t get him first) CHUCK CUNNINGHAM.